The utility of digital over traditional imaging methods in terms of data delivery, access, and manipulation are undeniable and well recognized. Data literacy in such digital matters is well established. What is not yet developed, but slowly emerging, is an accompanying image literacy; the ability to measure, test, and visually recognize good images from bad ones, based on project requirements Leading practitioners are realizing that there are significant additional responsibilities that come with the adoption of digital imaging. Not the least of these is for the control of the performance variability that comes with the freedom of system component selection.Currently several initiatives being developed by national libraries, institutions and funding organizations will directly influence clients' expectations. We describe how US and European initiatives will influence the requirements for both imaging performance, and how this will be managed in digital conversion projects. We interpret these developments in terms of the necessary tools and methods for quantifying and maintaining performance consistency. Rather than presenting a list of requirements for, e.g., image effective resolution, distortion, tone- and color reproduction, we present a way to establish an imaging quality-assurance program. The elements of a successful program should include; establishing of performance goals, efficient test plans and performance tracking tools, and interpretation for corrective action.